Nutrition as a career
As scientists, Registered Nutritionists do not follow trends or the latest fads, but generate evidence-based, safe and effective nutrition-based support and translate complex scientific theory and research findings into practical and accessible advice and information to inform their clients on how best to improve their health.
What do registered nutritionists actually do?
Registered nutritionists are professionals qualified in evidence-based nutrition science. They can have a wide variety of career choices such as working in academia, research, healthcare, the food industry, sports & exercise, Government, non-government organisations, public health or as a self‐employed nutritionist. They are qualified to advise on the complex mechanisms by which diet can be used to promote health, increase exercise performance and prevent many types of diseases at a population or individual level.
Registered nutritionists can also help individuals and groups achieve their health goals, meet their nutritional requirements and prevent them from developing diet-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. They use nutrition and lifestyle interventions based on scientific evidence. They also use psychological tools and advanced communication skills to take the personal circumstances of their clients into account in order to tailor their advice to ensure it can be successfully integrated into the client’s day-to-day life.
You can find our more about the different career paths available to qualified nutritionists on the Association for Nutrition website.
The NHS Careers website also provides useful information about nutrition as a career, including typical salaries and roles available within the NHS.
A rewarding health career
The UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN) is a register of competent, qualified nutrition professionals who meet rigorously applied standards for scientifically sound evidence-based nutrition and its use in practice. The UKVRN is held by the Association for Nutrition and it is the only register of qualified nutritionists recognised by Public Health England, NHS Choices and NHS Careers.
There are two levels of Registered Nutritionist on the UKVRN. Registered Associate Nutritionists (ANutr) are individuals with a minimum of honours-degree level knowledge and understanding of nutrition science. They are qualified and competent to provide evidence-based information. After demonstrating sufficient experience of professional practice in the competent application of nutrition science within their specialist area, ANutr can apply to transfer to Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) status. There are currently six areas of specialist practice for RNutr: Nutrition Science, Food, Public Health, Sports & Exercise, Healthcare Medical, and Animal Nutrition.
As an AfN accredited programme the UCO's BSc (Hons) Nutrition with Professional Practice course enables graduates to apply for direct entry to the UKVRN within three years of graduation.
If you are looking for a rewarding career in healthcare, we have a place for you at the UCO!
Find out more about nutrition with professional practice.
Apply now and get ready to tackle some of the pressing issues associated with global health! www.uco.ac.uk/nutrition
Got a question? Contact us on 020 7089 5316 or admissions@uco.ac.uk.